Stafford County Agricultural & Homemaking Fair

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Stafford County Fair Beginnings

The first annual Stafford County Club and School Fair was held at Stafford High School on October 21, 1922 for two days conducted by the School Board, and officers of the Fair; W.D Peyton, president; James Ashby, secretary & treasurer; V.B Perry, manager. The first fair also involved a school parade, marching from Stafford High School to the Court House. On October 18, 1929, it was reported that the Agricultural Department, directed by R.L. Reid, Hayden Silver and Grafton Greenlaw, was one of the best exhibits in years. They also held educational and domestic art exhibits inside the school building. The fair was cancelled in 1930 due to drought conditions and revived in the fall of 1931 by combining “Achievement Day” with the County Fair. At that time it was reported that this fair would be the most notable of all county-wide gatherings. “It is designed for all the people and it is estimated that more people meet at it and intermingle in social pleasure than at any other event in the county’s annual history.” The Fair did not operate during WWII, but was revived again in 1948 to be held for many years at the new Falmouth High School. In 1959, it was reported that Mrs. Deichman former manager of the Stafford County fair and other officers of the Stafford County Fair were sought after to renew and organize the “area-wide” Fredericksburg Fair where Mrs. Deichman served as Treasurer.

Over fifty years of history had passed since Stafford held its own fair when Gordon Shelton stepped up to revive the Stafford Fair in the fall of 2010. In keeping with tradition he held the fair in the fall on school grounds. The Fair was held at Mountain View High School for the first few years offering free parking and free admission to a carnival, attractions, vendors, music, animals, car shows, antique tractors, and Fire & Rescue demonstrations. Our fair is a volunteer, non-profit organization that gives back to the Stafford County School Emergency Fund.

The Fair had quickly outgrown the field in front of the school and moved behind the Margaret Brent Elementary School in 2014. At the new location, we were able to add a demolition derby and a tractor pull arena and make room for a temporary homemaking building, tents for the animals, pony shows, music concerts and more exhibits. In 2015 we held our first Miss Stafford County Pageant bringing our queen to the VAF competition.

We want to thank the Silver Companies for allowing us to build a new fairground site at the Cannon Ridge Golf Course, 9000 Celebrate Virginia Parkway. Conveniently located off of Rte 17 in Stafford County.

Each year we have grown, but from the beginning we are proud to have been able to provide the opportunity for Fire & Rescue teams to demonstrate and receive special training in the Jaws of Life recovery from automobiles. We support the Sheriff’s Department, and Crime Solvers fundraiser’s at the Fair each year. We also hosted the first Stafford County Christmas Parade in 2015 dedicated to Sheriff Charlie Jett and Clerk of the Court Barbara Decatur in support of the Sheriff’s Department, Crime Solvers. We look forward to continuing the tradition each year.